ERASMUS+, Key action 1: training course
Dates: 22—29 April 2025
Venue: Paralimni, Cyprus
Czech team: 2 participants – youth workers
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: NECI Cyprus
Project report:
Training Course “TC on Digital Technology & Media Tools” took place in Paralimni, Cyprus. Representatives from nine countries participated in the course: Cyprus, Greece, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia, and Belgium.
Objectives and Course Structure:
• Raising awareness about the European Union and fostering international cooperation through non-formal education.
• The “learning by doing” method-workshops focused on the practical use of media tools.
• A seminar with an artificial intelligence expert and another specialist, who introduced effective work with media tools, including website creation in Canva.
Tools Used and Topics Covered:
• Digital technologies: ChatGPT, Perplexity, Menti, Canva, Genially, Suno, Lovable, Booklet, CapCut, and others.
• Sharing experiences and tips on the practical use of these tools.
• Discussion on the possibilities of artificial intelligence in media and education.
Context and Significance:
The course responds to the current needs of European society in the field of digital skills and media literacy, which are crucial for successful participation in the digital economy and society. Such educational activities support not only professional growth but also the personal development of participants and strengthen European identity and cooperation.
Upon the arrival of all participants, we launched the project with a welcome session using ice-breaker games and energizers. These activities quickly broke the ice, relaxed the atmosphere, and strengthened team relationships. Energizers were included throughout the program, helping us maintain focus and support teamwork, and, of course, sometimes gave our diaphragms a workout. 🙂
The main goal of this training course was to raise awareness about the European Union, promote international learning and cooperation, and at the same time develop practical skills in digital technologies and media tools.
During the course, we were visited by an AI expert, who introduced us to the possibilities of using AI in media and education, as well as taught us how to recognize false data and encouraged critical thinking when using AI. Another specialist introduced us to website creation using Canva, which was highly beneficial for developing our digital skills and was another way to foster our creativity.
Throughout the course, we had the opportunity to inspire each other and share experiences with other digital tools, such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Menti, Canva, Genially, Suno, Lovable, Booklet, and CapCut. Thanks to cooperation with other participants, we learned new ways of working with these tools and broadened our horizons in the field of digital media.
The core of the course consisted mainly of workshops focused on digital technologies and media tools (for example, we created our own app as a first aid tool for stressful situations-link at the end of the article*), which we put into practice at the end of this information-packed and fun week at a nearby elementary school. There, 5th and 6th grade students could try the mentioned apps and tools. We fully enjoyed this morning, and I must say it enriched not only the curious young faces but especially us, the youth workers.
In addition to work activities and seminars, we also had a discovery and relaxation program. Together, we visited the Cape Cavo Greco nature reserve, known for its breathtaking cliffs, caves, and sea views. (see photo) Another stop was the iconic Nissi Beach with its white sand and turquoise water, where we enjoyed moments of relaxation and group activities (such as water parasailing 🙂 ). An inspiring walk through the Sculpture Park in Ayia Napa, where art meets nature and sculptures by international artists are exhibited, was also part of the program. During the trip, we visited Ayia Napa itself, famous not only for its landmarks but also for its vibrant nightlife-very vibrant. 🙂
The evening program in Ayia Napa was dedicated to relaxation and recharging-together we enjoyed music, dancing, and the local atmosphere, which contributed to better mutual understanding among participants and strengthened team spirit. These shared experiences outside the official program were key to creating a friendly and open atmosphere, which positively influenced the entire course of the project.
Overall, the course was very beneficial both professionally and personally. We all left with concrete knowledge, inspiration, new contacts for future projects, new friends, and great motivation to participate in more projects! The course also motivated us to use digital technologies and media tools in our projects, at work, and even in our personal lives or among friends-for example, I highly recommend creating a quiz in Kahoot or Booklet. 🙂
A big THANK YOU goes to the organizers-especially Renos, who is truly the right person for the job; you can’t just read about his projects, you have to EXPERIENCE them! 🙂 And another big THANK YOU goes to EYCB, thanks to whom all this is possible! So, have you filled in your application yet?:)
See you somewhere in Europe!
Jana K.
